Used Wheels: 2012-15 Volkswagen Passat

A healthy used Passat with a mechanical and electronics systems ‘thumbs up’ should prove to be a comfortable and largely worry-free sedan noted for good driving dynamics, spaciousness and fuel efficiency.

Vehicle type: Mid-Sized Sedan

I’m going to start this used-car guide with a caveat, because of several reader emails fired my way for recommending a TDI-powered model in a previous used-car highlight.

Volkswagen is involved in an ongoing unethical scandal surrounding the cheating of emissions tests in recent models. Shoppers buy vehicles for a wide range of reasons, the ethicality of the brand in question being only one of them. If you figure buying a used TDI is unethical and don’t want to buy one, please don’t. If your priorities in a used ride lie elsewhere, read on. This week’s used ride, the Passat, was available both with, and without, TDI power.

History/description: For 2012, the Volkswagen Passat entered its latest generation, focusing on advanced fuel efficiency, safety, comfort and value, wrapped in a comfortable and roomy package. The top-dog sedan in the VW model range, Passat sought to give shoppers an affordable taste of the motoring high-life, and the latest-generation model rode a high-tensile new body structure, and offered a plethora of trim grades and options packages.

Used models will offer plenty of selection in the powertrain department. Look for four or six-cylinder gas engines, and a fuel-sipping four-cylinder turbodiesel (TDI) powerplant for slashed fuel bills. From 2015, the TDI engine generated additional power and further reduced fuel consumption. A 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder replaced the aging 2.5-litre five-cylinder part way through this generation of Passat’s life as well. All units were front-wheel drive.

Manual, automatic or lightning-fast DSG transmissions were on offer, to match the tastes of any driver.

What owners like: Favourite features and attributes included the Fender audio system, the clean, tidy and un-cluttered layout of the Passat’s dash, upscale looks, a generous trunk, plenty of rear-seat leg-room, and plenty of at-hand storage. The driving feel is said to be planted and stable, brakes are strong, and fuel mileage all around is respectable, especially with the TDI engine. Many drivers love the availability of a manual transmission on select models, and others are thrilled by the shift speed and response of the DSG transmission.

What owners dislike: Common complaints include the performance of the standard halogen lighting system, dated navigation and infotainment interfaces, and a sometimes-lengthy delay between engaging reverse gear, and the activation of the backup camera.

The test drive: Note that any sputtering, or a sporadic feel to the acceleration, could be caused by a bad engine sensor, or ignition coil packs (gas engine only), and that any check engine lights should be investigated by a trained VW mechanic. Many of Passat’s reported drivability problems are electronic, not mechanical, in nature. Still, if you detect any, you’ll want an expert to confirm that that’s the case.

In rare but serious cases, owners have even reported having a bad Engine Control Unit (ECU) replaced, typically under warranty. The illumination of a ‘wrench’ icon in the driver computer, or failure of the car to shift through all of its gears (automatic transmission) is a warning sign. Another may be non-functionality of the cruise control system, so be sure that it engages and responds as expected, too.

Bad steering wheel clock springs, which facilitate an electrical connection for controls on the steering wheel, as well as the horn and airbag, could cause non-functional steering-wheel mounted controls, or an airbag system warning light. Confirm that the horn, and all electronics on the steering wheel, are functioning, and that there’s no airbag system warning light illuminated.

Shoppers, both while shopping and during subsequent ownership of a Passat from this generation, are advised to pop the hood and check that the Air Intake Inlet Cover is securely attached, as owners have reported that this part may be loose, easily dislodged, or even capable of becoming detached and damaging a nearby cooling fan.

Check the oil on the used Passat you’re considering, confirming that oil changes have been performed with quality oil, and on-schedule. This is even more important on a TDI model, where frequent oil changes are largely considered vital to long turbocharger life. On a Passat TDI, a dealer technician should give the fuel-system a once-over for signs of leaks, especially at the fuel filter housing, or other trouble, just to be safe. While in the shop on a pre-purchase inspection, confirm all recalls and software updates are up to date on the unit you’re considering, too.

Other sporadic complaints worth investigation include audio system head-units that occasionally fail to boot up, or freeze up for no apparent reason, premature rusting of brake rotors, premature brake pad wear, and blistering finish on the alloy wheels.

The verdict: So far, according to many current owners, this generation Passat looks to be fairly solid from a reliability standpoint. A healthy used model with a mechanical and electronics systems ‘thumbs up’ should prove a comfortable and largely worry-free sedan noted for good driving dynamics, spaciousness and fuel efficiency.